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Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) are used as emergency birth control to help prevent you from becoming pregnant after you have unprotected sex. These are sometimes called "morning after" pills. You can use them for up to five days after having sex - not just the next morning. ECPs should be taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are.
ECPs are not a substitute for regular birth control pills. ECPs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. ECPs will not cause an abortion or miscarriage if you are already pregnant. They can only prevent a pregnancy from happening in the first place.
ECPs contain hormones that can help stop you from getting pregnant after unprotected sex. However, like any birth control method, they are not 100 per cent effective.
ECPs may help stop you from getting pregnant by:
You can use ECPs if you are worried you will get pregnant after having sex because:
ECPs work best if you take them as soon as possible after you have unprotected sex. However, they may still be taken up to 5 days later. There is less chance of the pills working the longer you wait to take them after you have sex.
In Canada, there are 2 kinds of ECPs you can use - Plan B™ and Ovral®:
Your health care professional will explain how to take these pills. It is very important to take ECPs exactly as recommended. Sometimes your health care professional may recommend taking other prescription birth control pills as ECPs. You must speak to your health care professional before doing this. Not all birth control pills can be used this way.
Side effects can include stomach upset and vomiting or throwing up. To reduce your chance of feeling sick, take a medication that helps prevent stomach upset such as Gravol®, at least 30 minutes before you take the pill(s). If you throw up within one hour of taking the ECP, you need to take another dose of ECPs.
Less common side effects may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, or spotting or bleeding.
Most women can safely use ECPs even if they cannot use birth control pills as their normal method of birth control. Your doctor or health care professional can tell you if you can use ECPs.
If you are unable to take ECPs, another option is available. A copper IUD (intrauterine device) can be inserted into the uterus by your doctor. An IUD can be effective in preventing pregnancy if inserted up to seven days after unprotected sex. An IUD costs more than ECPs. However, an IUD can remain in your uterus for up to 5 years as an effective form of birth control if you wish.
You can get ECPs by visiting:
Or by calling:
ECPs cost between $15 and $50. Youth clinics, health centres and sexual health clinics often provide pills at a lower cost.
The effectiveness of ECPs depends on how soon you take the pills, where you are in your menstrual cycle, and the type of pills you take.
You should have a period within three weeks after taking ECP. If you do not have a period within three weeks, a pregnancy test is needed. A pregnancy test can be done by a health care professional or at home. You can buy home pregnancy tests at a pharmacy or grocery store.
No. If you are old enough to get pregnant, you can use or ask your doctor or health care professional for contraceptives, including ECPs, without your parent or guardian's consent.
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